Lingering drought taking toll on Nevada wildlife

RENO, Nev. (AP) — Lingering drought is taking a toll on wildlife across northern Nevada, shrinking deer herds on the high desert and drying up fisheries in the valleys.

State wildlife officials say the third consecutive year of drought could result in the loss of some fisheries altogether by the end of the summer. It's already pushing rodents and snakes into urban neighborhoods they usually don't frequent in the Reno-Sparks area.

Wildlife biologists expect bears to follow soon around Lake Tahoe.

David Catalano of the Nevada Department of Wildlife tells the Reno Gazette-Journal the lack of a snowpack after a dismal winter caused streams and creeks that normally flow into July or later instead go dry in March or April. He says mule deer especially are showing signs of stress.